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Safeguarding and volunteers

The reach of safeguarding extends further than Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks (formerly CRB checks) to include how organisations recruit, induct, train and support volunteers.

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) definition of a volunteer is defined in the Police Act 1997 (criminal records) Regulations 2002 as:

“Any person engaged in an activity which involves spending, unpaid (except for travel and other approved out-of-pocket expenses), doing something which aims to benefit some third party and not a close relative.”

Organisations that involve volunteers need to ensure they have a robust approach to safeguarding in place. They should also consider what level of safeguarding is proportionate to the activities their volunteers are involved in and what approach to take in relation to:

This guidance should not be a substitute for a safeguarding policy or for relevant training where required.

DBS Criminal Record Check

A DBS check is a process for gathering information about an applicant’s criminal history and is an important part in safeguarding. It helps organisations make safer recruitment decisions and prevents unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups.

Disclosure Services provides Basic, Standard and Enhanced DBS criminal records checks on applicants and the system is reliable, easy to use, fast, accurate and fully secure. It includes a fully electronic application process with dedicated relationship manager and significant cost and administrative savings.

NCVO members benefit from up to 40% savings on Disclosure Services standard admin fees.

Ex Offenders

Many people with past convictions worry that they will not be able to volunteer. In fact, very few people are banned from working or volunteering with children and vulnerable adults. Individuals who are banned will usually know that they are banned.

It is therefore important to offer a fair recruitment process to all individuals.

There are a number of agencies that advise and assist organisations with DBS applications. NCVO Trusted Supplier Disclosure Services provide a secure system for submission of electronic DBS checks and there is a discount for NCVO members.